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TEMPLES, 1989.
20 Sep.: Simplifying temple work for the deceased.
“September 20, 1989
To: General Authorities; Regional Representatives; Temple Presidents; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops; and Branch Presidents
Dear Brethren:
Simplifying Temple Work for the Deceased
The Church continues its growth and expands into ever-increasing numbers of countries across the world, each with its own language and culture. There is pressing need for less complex temple procedures and reduced personnel requirements. Accordingly, we have prayerfully determined that it is no longer necessary to permanently record the names of proxies, witnesses, or officiator for any temple ordinances for the deceased.
Present temple operating policies will be used to assure that appropriate proxies, witnesses, and officiator are used. The names of individuals participating in vicarious ordinances may be preserved in personal and family records. The permanent temple record will consist of the names of individuals for whom the work has been done with the temple and dates it was performed, with the temple recorder’s certificate that the work was done properly.
The implementation of this decision will substantially reduce the complexity of temple operation and simplify record storage. However, temples will no longer be able to provide stakes and wards with patron attendance information.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Ezra Taft Benson
Gordon W. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
The First Presidency” (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Office of the First Presidency, 20 Sep 1989)